Postpartum Depression: The Role Of Education, Age, And Family Social Support,
2026
Liberty University
Postpartum Depression: The Role Of Education, Age, And Family Social Support, Carrie B. Messick
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this study was to understand the moderating effect of age and family social support on postsecondary education in women experiencing postpartum depression. Postpartum depression develops within 4–6 weeks following birth and can last up to 2 years. Current estimates indicate that postpartum depression affects approximately 8% to 20% of women. Multiple factors influence the development of postpartum depression, including physiological factors, cultural and social influences, psychosocial characteristics, and genetics. The literature has explored multiple risk and protective factors, such as education, age of the mother, and social support, which are protective factors for postpartum depression. The literature …
Phenomenological Study Of Counselors Working As Community Response Team (Crt) First Responders For Mental Health And How They Cope With Stress And Burnout,
2026
Liberty University
Phenomenological Study Of Counselors Working As Community Response Team (Crt) First Responders For Mental Health And How They Cope With Stress And Burnout, Modupe Adekunbi Olaniyan
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of counselors working as Community Response Team (CRT) first responders for mental health crises and to describe how they cope with job stress and burnout. The study involved 12 participants who were interviewed via Zoom. Participants were selected using criterion sampling, and the research sites were located in the Metropolitan area of the east-central United States (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia). The theoretical framework guiding this study was the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (TMSC) developed by Lazarus and Folkman (1984). Recent literature on job stress and burnout, …
A Phenomenological Study Describing The Lived Experiences Of Fire Chaplains With Clinical Pastoral Education (Cpe) Training Within The Federation Of Fire Chaplains’ Organization,
2026
Liberty University
A Phenomenological Study Describing The Lived Experiences Of Fire Chaplains With Clinical Pastoral Education (Cpe) Training Within The Federation Of Fire Chaplains’ Organization, Chaplain Cooper
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of fire chaplains with CPE training who used CPE competencies when caring for firefighters. The foundation of spiritual care was based on the ten identified competencies used in CPE. The gap addressed in this research was the lack of spiritual care training for fire chaplains. Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s model of companioning served as the theoretical foundation guiding this research. This model of care emphasized a human-centered, heart-based approach, including active listening, empathy, and the practice of presence, which were essential components for fire chaplains providing spiritual care. This …
A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Eritrean Refugee Mothers Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence,
2026
Liberty University
A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Eritrean Refugee Mothers Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence, Kebreab Hailegiorgis
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to explore how the lived experiences of surviving intimate partner violence (IPV) in the context of forced migration influences among Eritrean refugee mothers. Guided by trauma theory and attachment theory, the research seeks to understand the impact of IPV and displacement-related trauma on parenting behaviors and parent–child relationships among Eritrean women. This study recruited 12 Eritrean refugee mothers with IPV experiences and used semi-structured interviews conducted virtually (via Zoom) to gather rich, first-person narratives of their parenting challenges and resilience. Data analysis followed Moustakas’ phenomenological approach, involving horizonalization, thematic coding, and synthesis …
Mental Health And Well-Being Of Hispanic Pastors In Central Florida: A Phenomenological Study,
2026
Liberty University
Mental Health And Well-Being Of Hispanic Pastors In Central Florida: A Phenomenological Study, Darice M. Santos
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The topic of pastors' psychological well-being and health has been studied in a variety of approaches. The forthcoming research concentrated on the effects that the responsibilities and pressures of working at Hispanic churches have on Hispanic pastors in Florida. Given the difficulties they face, such as prejudice, discrimination, and a low standard of living, this population required further study. This study explored the pastor's role and involvement level and how it connects to social support and burnout. This qualitative study provided insight on how Hispanic pastors in central Florida handled their mental health and perceived their job as pastors. A …
Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing As A Moderator In Attachment Security Scores Accounting For Trauma,
2026
Liberty University
Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing As A Moderator In Attachment Security Scores Accounting For Trauma, Kimberly Anne Arbelo
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in increasing attachment security scores. A theoretical foundation of at attachment theory and somatic therapy are discussed. Attachment theory is expounded upon to better understand the development, maintenance, and break down of emotional and intimate bonds. Traumatic experiences are investigated to better understand its potential influence on insecure and secure symptoms within attachments. The Experiences in Close Relationships, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the DSM-5-TR, and the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDs) are instruments utilized in the study to measure attachment …
Self-Compassion And Emotional Regulation: The Moderating Role Of Adhd Traits In Clinical Mental Health Counseling Field Experience Students,
2026
Liberty University
Self-Compassion And Emotional Regulation: The Moderating Role Of Adhd Traits In Clinical Mental Health Counseling Field Experience Students, Alicia N. Stewart
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This quantitative, cross-sectional, survey study explores the potential influences of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits on clinical mental health counseling students’ capacity for self-compassion and emotional regulation. This study is grounded in Kristin Neff’s self-compassion theory (2003). Data were collected using self-reporting measures via an online survey platform through Qualtrics. Participants in this study included students in a Council for Accreditation and Counseling and Related Educational Program-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program currently enrolled in field experience courses including practicum, Internship I, and Internship II (N = 35) at a private southeastern university. This study used a Pearson’s r …
The Relationship Between Emergency Department Nurses’ Occupational Stress, And Their Experience Of Resilience,
2026
Liberty University
The Relationship Between Emergency Department Nurses’ Occupational Stress, And Their Experience Of Resilience, Chipo Mathis
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of occupational stress and resiliency among emergency department (ED) nurses in a high-acuity urban hospital environment. The study was grounded in the transactional model of stress and coping as proposed by Lazarus and Folkman, conservation of resources (COR) theory as proposed by Hobfoll, and the job demands-resources (JD-R) model to examined how ED nurses perceive workplace stressors, engage available resources, and develop resilience with ongoing clinical demands. The main research question unpacked how occupational stress affects the ED nurses how resilience impact coping, recovery, and professional functioning. It utilized a phenomenological research …
Barriers And Bridges To Mental Health: A Quantitative Study Of Religious Commitment, Mental Health Stigma, And Help-Seeking Attitudes In The Black Community,
2026
Liberty University
Barriers And Bridges To Mental Health: A Quantitative Study Of Religious Commitment, Mental Health Stigma, And Help-Seeking Attitudes In The Black Community, Catisha Tillman
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Mental health is a silent killer in the Black community. The Black community prefers to seek mental health support from their pastors, friends, families, and church members rather than from a professional counselor. This mistrust is seated in a deeply rooted history of transgenerational trauma towards the medical and mental health care system. Stemming from the enslavement of the Black community to the present day, with systemic racism, disparities in mental health care, limited educational resources, and socioeconomic disadvantages. The following research examined how religious commitment affects mental health stigma, help-seeking attitudes, church-based relational support, and perceived barriers to mental …
Christian, English-Speaking-Hispanic, Individuals’ Experiences With Marital Internet Infidelity Of Their Partners: A Phenomenological Study,
2026
Liberty University
Christian, English-Speaking-Hispanic, Individuals’ Experiences With Marital Internet Infidelity Of Their Partners: A Phenomenological Study, Ivan Herran
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This phenomenological study explored the lived experience of Christian, English-speaking Hispanic individuals who have experienced internet-based emotional infidelity. The increasing use of digital communication has contributed to new forms of relational challenges within marriages, particularly in a faith-based context. Data was collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and a focus group, with participants purposively recruited via personal outreach and referrals. The analysis focused on understanding how individuals perceived, interpreted, and coped with emotional infidelity within their relationships. Findings revealed that participants experienced emotional distress, disruptions in trust, and challenges in communication, while also relying on personal, relational, and faith-based coping strategies. …
A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Black Counselors Completing Wellness Checks For Their Black Clients,
2026
Liberty University
A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Black Counselors Completing Wellness Checks For Their Black Clients, Shanique Slowley-Azeez
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of Black counselors who have contacted the police for wellness checks on their Black clients. This study explored how factors such as intergenerational trauma, systemic oppression, and race shaped the perceptions and experiences of these counselors who sought wellness checks from law enforcement for Black clients. This research was guided by intergenerational trauma theory (1966) and social constructivist theory (1978). Social constructivist theory allowed the researcher to understand how individuals describe and assign meaning to events, thus shaping their knowledge and lived experiences. The researcher employed semi-structured interviews …
An Exploration Of The Prioritization And Application Of Self-Care For Mental Health Therapists Working Within Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Mental Health Organizations: A Phenomenological Study,
2026
Liberty University
An Exploration Of The Prioritization And Application Of Self-Care For Mental Health Therapists Working Within Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Mental Health Organizations: A Phenomenological Study, Elizabeth Lynn Leyva
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the prioritization and application of self-care for mental health therapists working within Mississippi Gulf Coast community mental health organizations. The theory guiding this study was Milton Rokeach’s belief system theory, which examined the significant impact of beliefs, attitudes, and values on decision-making regarding clinician self-care in personal and professional realms. The central research question for this study asked how mental health therapists in community mental health organizations described their experiences of prioritizing and applying self-care during and outside of therapy practice. There were three subquestions to support the central research …
The High Cost Of Care: A Georgia Qualitative Study Of High School Counselors' Responsibilities And Their Well-Being,
2026
Liberty University
The High Cost Of Care: A Georgia Qualitative Study Of High School Counselors' Responsibilities And Their Well-Being, Shadiqa Techell White Points
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Secondary school counselors play a vital role in supporting the students’ academic, social, emotional, and vocational development. However, the increasing scope of their duties - especially in response to increased demands on student mental health and the lasting consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic - has led to an increase in the emotional and psychological demands placed on them. While there is a large body of research examining student outcomes, qualitative studies that analyze the ways counselors understand the effect of their professional roles on their personal well-being are scarce. The current qualitative study assumed a hermeneutic phenomenological orientation to examine …
Positive Behaviors And Traits In Clinical Supervision: A Qualitative Study,
2026
Liberty University
Positive Behaviors And Traits In Clinical Supervision: A Qualitative Study, Katelyn Jakubovic
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This qualitative study explored the individual lived experiences of mental health counselors undergoing clinical supervision, focusing on their perceptions of the supervisory relationship, supervisory process, and outcomes by identifying specific traits and behaviors across various domains. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the sample of 20 participants across professional developmental stages and practice settings. Narrative and thematic analysis of the data revealed a nuanced portrayal of the supervisory relationship. Overall, participants characterized their supervision experiences as being predominantly positive and growth-facilitating. Participants identified key supportive factors, such as communication, resources, and scheduling flexibility. Analyses also uncovered significant areas for improvement, …
A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Black Men In The Dmv Area, Who Experienced Sexual Trauma Prior To 18 Years Old, Transitioning Into, Through, And Out Of Professional Counseling,
2026
Liberty University
A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Black Men In The Dmv Area, Who Experienced Sexual Trauma Prior To 18 Years Old, Transitioning Into, Through, And Out Of Professional Counseling, Gregory Cecil Wright
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
A transcendental phenomenological approach can be a very effective qualitative research method in exploring the “lived experiences” of Black men in the DMV area, who experienced sexual trauma prior to 18 years old, transitioning into, through, and out of professional counseling. An enormous void in literature exists concerning the exploration of Black male sexual trauma survivors, their stories, and their professional counseling experiences. This counselor education issue will be investigated in this qualitative research proposal. The research question to be explored is "What are the lived experiences of Black men, who experienced sexual trauma prior to 18 years old, transitioning …
Healthy Outcomes From Positive Experiences Training And Child-Serving Providers,
2026
Liberty University
Healthy Outcomes From Positive Experiences Training And Child-Serving Providers, April Scott
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
An in-depth knowledge base of prevention frameworks with strategies to address the root causes of dysfunction is lacking for many child-serving providers as they work to prevent and mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Through learning the building blocks of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) that prevent and buffer trauma, child-serving providers may become more effective in preventing ACEs and enhancing resiliency. Child-serving providers often focus on reducing deficits or mitigation of traumatic experiences, as opposed to building resilience to prevent traumatic experiences from occurring in the first place or strengthening the ability of children to bounce back when ACEs occur. The …
A Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of Educators As Mentors For Homeless And Highly Mobile Students In A Rural Community,
2026
Liberty University
A Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of Educators As Mentors For Homeless And Highly Mobile Students In A Rural Community, Tracy Dawn Mcpheron
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to explore how educators perceive an implemented mentoring program in which they will serve as mentors of homeless and highly mobile students in a rural school district. The mentoring program will include educators working as mentors to students coded as homeless through the McKinney-Vento Act for Homeless Education. The educators participating in the mentoring program will be the participants in this study. The participants will include middle school (6th-8th grade) through high school (12th grade), teachers, counselors, librarians, the district’s homeless liaison, and the federal programs coordinator for an East Tennessee school …
The Lived Experiences Of Olympic Medalists As They Describe Their Sense Of Self: A Qualitative Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study,
2026
Liberty University
The Lived Experiences Of Olympic Medalists As They Describe Their Sense Of Self: A Qualitative Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Ana Barend
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Olympic medalists are characterized by their commitment to performance excellence. While research has extensively examined factors that influence athletic outcomes, comparatively less attention has been paid to how elite athletes experience and make meaning of their own identities beyond sport. Despite possessing extraordinary personal resources, many struggle with identity foreclosure during transitions and mental health challenges at rates comparable to the general population. This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Olympic medalists as they perceive and describe their sense of self. Guided by van Manen's approach to human science research and informed by Self-Determination Theory, this inquiry examined …
Experiences Of Parents Moving In, Moving Through, And Moving Out Of Play Therapy: A Phenomenological Study,
2026
Liberty University
Experiences Of Parents Moving In, Moving Through, And Moving Out Of Play Therapy: A Phenomenological Study, Carly Rowan
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to describe the experiences of parents as they make meaning of their children’s participation in play therapy in the Dallas/Fort Worth region. Schlossberg's transition theory was utilized to provide a theoretical framework for answering the following questions: How do parents describe their expectations and perceptions of play therapy for their children who have received a minimum of eight play therapy sessions? How do parents describe their expectations for play therapy before their experience? In what ways were the parents' expectations met, and what were the unexpected outcomes experienced while their child was …
Enhancing Students’ Self-Disclosure Through Assertive Training: Evidence From A Group Counseling Intervention,
2026
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Enhancing Students’ Self-Disclosure Through Assertive Training: Evidence From A Group Counseling Intervention, Abu Yazid Abu Bakar, Khairul Bariyyah, Santy Andrianie, Setyorini Setyorini, Restu Dwi Ariyanto, Laily Tiarani Soejanto, Dzata Inasah Bil Humaydah
Buletin Konseling Inovatif
Self disclosure is a critical component of students’ social and emotional development; however, many students experience difficulties in expressing their thoughts and feelings openly, which may hinder interpersonal relationships and psychological well-being. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of group counseling using assertive training techniques in enhancing students’ self-disclosure. A quantitative approach with a pre-experimental one-group pre-test–post-test design was employed. The participants consisted of five junior high school students identified as having low self-disclosure levels through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a self-disclosure scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired samples t-test, effect size (Cohen’s d), Wilcoxon signed-rank …
